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2027 Governorship: Enugu East Declares ‘One Good Turn Deserves Another,’ Adopts Peter Mbah as Sole Candidate

In a political twist that few saw coming, Enugu East Senatorial District has thrown its entire weight behind Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, adopting him as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The dramatic announcement came during a high-powered townhall meeting at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, where political veterans, traditional rulers, grassroots leaders, and opposition heavyweights spoke with one voice: “No vacancy in Lion Building until 2031.”

The communique issued at the end of the meeting, aptly titled “One Good Turn Deserves Another,” captures the rare consensus in Enugu politics. Leaders declared that they would stand by Governor Mbah across party lines, rendering political platforms irrelevant to his re-election bid.

“In endorsing him, we want to state that we are blind to party affiliation. Our political party is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a performing governor, who has shown that he not only has what it takes to turn Enugu State around, but also to take it to the pinnacle of glory where our founding fathers dreamt of,” the communique stated.

Edeoga’s Biblical Conversion: From Saul to Paul

Perhaps the most symbolic moment came when Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, not only endorsed Mbah but did so in biblical fashion.

“We know the story of Saul and Paul in the Bible,” Edeoga declared with passion. “I was Saul, fighting against Peter Mbah and his cause. But now, I will be Paul — converted, committed, and determined to work for his re-election. I will devote everything within me to ensure he returns for a second tenure.”

With those words, Edeoga moved the motion for Mbah’s adoption, stunning many in the audience who remembered the bruising political battle between both men less than two years ago.

The motion was seconded by Dr. Ben Nwoye, a former chairman of the APC in the state, who echoed that the gathering had transcended party loyalty. “This is not about APC, PDP, or Labour Party. This is about Peter Mbah, his performance, and the promise he holds for Enugu,” he said.

A Rare Political Consensus

For Enugu East, the decision was more than politics — it was payback. Speakers reminded the crowd that in 2007 and 2011, Enugu East had voluntarily stepped aside for Enugu West, paving the way for Sullivan Chime’s eight-year rule. Again, in 2015 and 2019, the zone supported Enugu North’s Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to complete its cycle. Now, they argue, it is only just that other zones return the favour.

Former Deputy Governor, Dr. Sunday Onyebuchi, was blunt: “Any politician contesting against Mbah in 2027 will simply be wasting his money, unless he or she just wants the title of ‘former governorship candidate’ added to his name.”

Mbah’s Scorecard: Why the Endorsement?

The governor’s performance was listed in glowing terms. Security, once a major concern in the state, was said to have improved drastically due to heavy investment in technology and manpower. Education received an unprecedented 33% of the state’s annual budget, with plans for 260 Smart Green Schools across every political ward. Healthcare is seeing a similar revolution with 260 Type 2 Primary Health Centres under construction, each with staff quarters.

In infrastructure, the administration has launched Enugu Air, rolled out 100 CNG-powered mass transit buses, and unveiled transport terminals in Enugu, Nsukka, Gariki, and Abakpa. Nearly 1,000 km of roads have been completed or are ongoing, while the Akanu Ibiam International Airport is being repositioned with a new cargo terminal to transform Enugu into an aviation hub.

Other landmark projects include the completion of the International Conference Centre, the construction of a 5-star hotel, and the ongoing development of the Enugu International Hospital. Agriculture, too, is getting its revival, with initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and reviving moribund state assets.

The Verdict of Enugu East

For many in the hall, the governor’s achievements in just two years recalled the golden era of Dr. Michael Okpara.

“God has answered our prayers in the person of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah,” one communique declared. “Ndi Enugu now hold their heads high and proudly identify as Ndi Enugu anywhere in Nigeria and beyond.”

As the applause rang through the conference hall, the message was unmistakable: in Enugu East, the 2027 governorship contest has already been decided. For aspirants eyeing Lion Building, the advice was delivered in plain language — save your money.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna